(Phnom Penh): The Board of Trustees of Khmer Enterprise held on Thursday (Jul. 23) its 20th meeting to review the progress of ongoing programs and approve strategic direction for the next phase of implementation, aimed at strengthening its entrepreneurship support in Cambodia.

Chaired by Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khmer Enterprise, the meeting focused on assessing the implementation of key programs and improving coordination mechanisms to ensure that Khmer Enterprise's initiatives deliver greater impact for startups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

“As Cambodia transforms its economy, entrepreneurship plays an increasingly important role in creating jobs, driving innovation and generating new sources of growth. We must continue strengthening the ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs to turn ideas into competitive enterprises,” Minister Vanndy said.

During the meeting, the Board reviewed and endorsed several strategic priorities, including:

- Expanding entrepreneurship support and preparing entrepreneurs for next phase of development: Khmer Enterprise continues to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities through training, technical advisory services, and knowledge development in digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Khmer Enterprise's flagship HighschoolPreneur and Unipreneur programs have expanded to 175 high schools and higher education institutions across 25 capital and provinces, providing students with opportunities to develop and present their business ideas.

- Strengthening strategic partnerships across the entrepreneurship ecosystem: Khmer Enterprise will foster stronger collaboration with public institutions, private sector partners, financial institutions, and development partners. Through the Khmer Enterprise Cambodia Startup LaunchPad Program, implemented with partners from the Republic of Korea and Switzerland, seven startups have advanced to the investment due diligence stage, gained exposure to international markets in Singapore, and secured early-stage investment. The program also supports the implementation of the Cambodia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Roadmap 2025–2035, helping strengthen coordination across the ecosystem and identify priority actions for its long-term development.

- Expanding market opportunities for Cambodian products: Khmer Enterprise continues to support entrepreneurs in strengthening competitiveness and accessing new markets.

In collaboration with AEON Cambodia, Khmer Enterprise organized the Local Product Fair, featuring 112 enterprises showcasing 946 Cambodian products, while promoting Cambodian products internationally through digital platforms and strategic marketing initiatives.

Chhieng Vanmunin, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Chief Executive Officer of Khmer Enterprise, said, “The development of entrepreneurship cannot be separated from enhancing​ business strategies and product quality. By expanding support for entrepreneurs, enhancing partnerships with the ecosystem, and creating greater market opportunities, our entrepreneurs are able to strengthen their competitiveness and elevate local products to achieve greater recognition in both domestic and international markets.”

During the meeting, the Board of Trustees reaffirmed its continued support for Khmer Enterprise to enhance the effectiveness of its programs, expand strategic partnerships, and further strengthen Cambodia's entrepreneurship ecosystem.
=FRESH NEWS